Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3) continues the EU-UNDP partnership and previously supported initiatives, ReLOaD 1 and 2, implemented from 2017 to 2024. 

ReLOaD3 continues to strengthen participatory democracies and the EU integration process in the Western Balkans (WB) by empowering civil society and youth to actively participate in decision-making and by stimulating an enabling legal and financial environment for civil society. The programme will be implemented in the following IPA beneficiaries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. Working across the WB region, ReLOaD3 will enhance the capacities of local governments and civil society organisations to engage in productive partnerships and contribute to improved service delivery and realisation of local priorities in line with local development strategies and needs. 

Under the direct supervision of Regional Programme Manager and matrix management and guidance of Head of Procurement, the Project Procurement Associate provides procurement services to ReLOaD3 and other  projects within the Good Governance (GG) Sector, ensuring high quality and accuracy of work. The Project Procurement Associate promotes a client-oriented approach, quality, and results-oriented approach consistent with the UNDP rules and regulations. The Project Procurement Associate works in close collaboration and consultations with the CO Procurement Team, and project personnel, to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

* For the United Nations, references to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). 

Duties and Responsibilities

Organize procurement processes for projects within Sector

  • Assurance of full compliance of project procurement activities with UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system. 
  • Provide support in the implementation of procurement processes using the UNDP ERP tools, including procurement planning, procurement strategies, tendering, evaluation, assessment of the recommended suppliers, and managing the contracts,
  • Undertake relevant procurement actions including preparation of Micro-purchasing, Requests for Quotation (RFQs), Invitation to Bid (ITBs) or Requests for Proposal (RFPs), pre-bid conferences, secondary biddings, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, facilitate evaluation and negotiation, if any. 
  • Support contract administration in a close liaison with ReLOaD3 Regional Programme Manager and CO Procurement Team and contractors/suppliers. 
  • Participate in preparation, submission and facilitation required for ensuring approval of the procurement cases to the appropriate Procurement Review Committee. 
  • Create Purchase orders / Contracts and perform other tasks required under the UNDP buyer role.   
  • Provide advise/guidance to programme/project colleagues within sector on application of UNDP procurement policies and procedures for various implementation activities.
  • Perform other procurement duties as required.

Implement sourcing strategies to find best values in the marketplace and align purchasing strategy to ReLOaD3 and other projects in the GG Sector

  • Assist in creation and maintenance of active roster of suppliers/consultants, and long-term agreements required for the programme/project implementation
  • Implement supplier selection and evaluation.

Support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing

  • Organize procurement training for suppliers on e-procurement modules;
  • Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices related to procurement activities in the sector;
  • Participation in the trainings on Procurement;
  • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Support to the Project team in effective mainstreaming of gender equality

  • Provides support to sector associate and head of procurement in ensuring gender responsible procurement 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

            

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
Act with Determination:  LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Management 

Customer

Satisfaction/Client Management
  • Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfill and understand the real customers' needs.
  • Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy
  • Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests
  • Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns
Business Management  Risk Management
  • Identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks
Business Management Communication
  • Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
  • Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
Procurement Sourcing
  • Ability to find, evaluate and engage suppliers of goods and services 
Procurement   Financial Analysis
  • Knowledge of evaluating businesses, projects, budgets, and other finance related transactions to determine their performance and suitability 
Procurement   Procurement Management
  • The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source. 
Procurement   Stakeholder Management 
  • Ability to work with incomplete information and balance competing interests to create value for all stakeholders 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Min. Education requirements
  • Secondary education is required.
  • University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in public administration, business, economics, engineering, will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
  • CIPS level 2 is highly desirable for this position and candidates holding this level at the time of application will have a distinct advantage. If the desired certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year of recruitment. Candidates holding a CIPS certification at any level below at the time of application will have a proportionate advantage.

Experience:

Min. years of relevant work experience 
  • Minimum 6 years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant administrative and/or project support work experience.
Required skills 
  • Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP
  • Experience in general principles of tendering.
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
  • Treats all people fairly without favouritism.
  • Understand the language associated with gender, equity, inclusion, and diversity.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
  • Experience in drafting tendering documentation.
  • Experience in public sector procurement of goods and services.
  • Experience in management of roster of suppliers.
  • Experience in UNDP tendering procedures.
  • Experience in gender-responsive procurement
Required Language(s)   Fluency in English and and of Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian languages.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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